Danielle Vinson speaks to multiple news agencies about Lindsey Graham

News organizations in South Carolina and beyond turned to Furman University’s Danielle Vinson for her take on the dynamics of the senate seat left open by the sudden passing of Lindsey Graham July 11.

Vinson, a professor of politics and international affairs, told Courthouse News Service that candidates for Aug. 11 special election will face challenges due to the short timing, and said those who have leftover cash from past campaigns will fare better. “If you don’t already have a good network and ground game lined up, you really need to be able to do the advertising, mailing and word of mouth,” she said. “Because you don’t have a lot of time to recruit volunteers and campaign staff to do phone banking and things like that.”

In The Guardian, Vinson reflected on Graham’s early days in politics and how he built acceptance through media savvy and wit.

In South Carolina Daily Gazette, Vinson weighed in on the Election Commission’s position that South Carolina candidates can run for multiple offices simultaneously. In other words, republicans who are already on the November ballot may seek – and potentially win – the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate, forcing the candidate to choose one office and triggering another special election. She explored an “interesting dilemma” in which a republican in South Carolina’s congressional delegation could see a dual win, possibly leading to an even more narrow House majority.

On WYFF News 4, Vinson said Graham’s foreign policy influence combined with his military background set him apart from other senators. “He was a savvy politician. He was a complex politician. And I think he very much enjoyed the job,” she said.